saintswhodi

Even if he isn\'t getting 7.8, he will be getting at least 5, maybe even 6, and not to mention bonus. Then like I said, Grant comes up in a year or two. Well we will have committed a 5 or 6 year contract to Howard. I value Grant more than Howard cause he is ON THE FIELD. So then what, we franchise him, have to trade him, meanwhile Howard is almost 30, and if he gets injured this often now, it\'s not gonna get better. I can see what you are saying, but resigning Howard will not be cheap by any means, and the $$$ is better spent elsewhere. I would rather draft a guy we can platoon instead of having a first round pick(Smith) as a rotational player. I can\'t believe I am saying this but IF Sully means what he says, we will be fine without Howard and his hefty contract. Then, what if he says he doesn\'t want to sign a long term deal and will just play for the franchise amount? Financially, we would be so screwed. But like I said, I can see your point, I guess I am leaning towards us being in a no win position if we keep him.

GoldenTomb

Point is....we sealed Howard\'s fate by franchising him. There was very little chance of him coming back with him being an UFA, but now it\'s certain that he will be traded. I wish that he would play for the Saints forever, but he wants to be a starter for a team, which he is totally entitled to. Will Smith wants to be a starter too. Will Smith is cheaper, younger and has more upside. Easy choice.

GumboBC

I completely agree with saintwhodi. Howard is a \"luxary\" we cannot afford when you look at the weak areas on the defense. Spend the money elsewhere...